WILL THE DEATH OF DRAWING LEAD TO THE DEATH OF DESIGN

I've been talking about the challenges facing the design industry. A fundamental theme is the lack of appreciation (read; value, respect, engagement) lay persons and clients have for the unique skills of designers. This article in the New York Times talks about the death of drawing and the elimination of art classes in general throughout the U.S.'s educational system.
Maybe it's because the average person no longer has to try to express their creative and artistic capability (in art class) that they never learn how rare that skill is. They never learn that they themselves do not posses it and never learn that those who do should have a unique value.
With all the talk about the U.S's need to be a global leader in innovation, it's apparent that innovation is a hollow term, backing a hollow goal. If we were to get serious about innovation we'd start at the beginning, allowing every person to attempt to find their inner muse.